The House Education Committee approved a bill to increase the minimum GPA requirement for TOPS from 2.5 to 2.75. Baton Rouge Representative Franklin Foil says he’s heard frustration from voters, about the uncertainty of the scholarship program and this could help cut down on costs.
Cut 12 (10) “four year window”
The proposed change would go into effect with the Class of 2021.

A bill heading to the House Floor would lift the one year ban for individuals convicted of a drug related felony to receive food stamps and welfare benefits after being released from prison. New Orleans Representative Helena Moreno says the ban was originally placed as a deterrent not to commit drug related crimes, but it hasn’t work.
Cut 10 (11) “our community”

The House Criminal Justice Committee shot down a proposal that would allow residents to carry concealed guns without permits. Jimmy Williams of Louisiana Carry argued that requiring a permit gives lawbreaking criminals the upper hand…
cut 7 (10) “…willing to”
But Cissy Rowley, a shooting victim in the 2015 Lafayette movie theater shooting spree, urged the panel to rject the bill. She says the permitting process is needed to vet people who should not be concealed carrying a firearm….
cut 9 (08) “….respect that”
The bill was defeated on an eight to five vote. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey, says he plans to bring the proposal back up next year.